cartridges

Audio-Technica's AT-OC9ML/II is a high-end audiophile cartridge that features a polished elliptical diamond tip for pristine clarity, transparency, and precise stereo imaging. This cartridge also features two moving coils mounted at 90 degrees (in place of the usual moving magnets) for even lower distortion and extended vinyl life. (Please note that Moving Coil cartridges require receivers or pre-amps with compatible Moving Coil inputs.)

• frequency response: 15 - 50,000Hz
• vertical tracking force: 1.25 - 1.75 grams
• output: 0.4mV
• gold plated cantilever

LAB POINTS

• fits most turntables both headshell screw-in tonearms and P-mountable (4 prong plug-in)
• conical stylus
• includes screws and hardware
• 15 - 27K frequency response

OUR OPINION

This is it, the much requested universal replacement cartridge for most turntables (especially older models and turntables that came with older stereo systems). This is one of the first items we recommend if you need a solid listening cartridge, but you're not quite sure of your turntable-cartridge connection.DJing with this cartridge is NOT recommended.

LAB POINTS

• fits most turntables both headshell screw-in tonearms and P-mountable (4 prong plug-in)
• upgraded elliptical stylus for improved sound quality
• includes screws and hardware
• 15 - 27K frequency response

OUR OPINION

This is it, the much requested universal replacement cartridge for most turntables (especially older models and turntables that came with older stereo systems). This is one of the first items we recommend if you need a solid listening cartridge, but you're not quite sure of your turntable-cartridge connection.DJing with this cartridge is NOT recommended.

The Prestige Series of 78-RPM cartridges are designed for high output and excellent stability under even severe use. Each cartridge can be used for either archival or casual play without concern for undue wear on the record. All Grado 78 cartridges have a considerable reduction in tip mass resulting in extended frequency response while tracking forces can range from 2-5 grams. The experts acclaim these cartridges as virtually the finest 78-rpm cartridges in the world.

The Prestige Series of 78-RPM cartridges are designed for high output and excellent stability under even severe use. Each cartridge can be used for either archival or casual play without concern for undue wear on the record. All Grado 78 cartridges have a considerable reduction in tip mass resulting in extended frequency response while tracking forces can range from 2-5 grams. The experts acclaim these cartridges as virtually the finest 78-rpm cartridges in the world.

Grado's Black model uses a three piece OTL cantilever technology, standard oxygen free wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted in a brass bushing.

Grado's Blue model uses a four piece OTL cantilever technology, standard oxygen free wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing.

Built and designed to meet the demanding needs of the professional DJ musician, Grado's cartridges deliver performance never known before in the pro DJ market. The Grado specially engineered transmission line cantilever allows for the ideal transfer of music signal and for safe and effective stylus back-cueing. The DJ series can track from 2 to 5 grams, and delivers the warm musical Grado sound the audio industry has embraced and enjoyed for 50 years. The DJ series incorporates Grado's newest Flux-Bridger generator systems for lower effective tip mass and lower electrical inductance. Each DJ series cartridge is hand assembled to Grado's high standards, which contributes to the unchallenged consistency of performance, and the Grado guarantee of reliability.

Built and designed to meet the demanding needs of the professional DJ musician, Grado's cartridges deliver performance never known before in the pro DJ market. The Grado specially engineered transmission line cantilever allows for the ideal transfer of music signal and for safe and effective stylus back-cueing. The DJ series can track from 2 to 5 grams, and delivers the warm musical Grado sound the audio industry has embraced and enjoyed for 50 years. The DJ series incorporates Grado's newest Flux-Bridger generator systems for lower effective tip mass and lower electrical inductance. Each DJ series cartridge is hand assembled to Grado's high standards, which contributes to the unchallenged consistency of performance, and the Grado guarantee of reliability.

The Prestige Gold model uses a four piece OTL cantilever technology, ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing. The Gold model is selected from the Silver production run and meet higher test specifications. Approximately 5% of the production run meet these standards and become Gold models.

Grado's Green model uses a three piece OTL cantilever technology, standard oxygen free wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted in a brass bushing. The Green model is selected from the Black production run and meet higher test specifications. Approximately 15% of the production run will meet these standards and become Green models.

There are many analog lovers with record collections that include mono albums. Now, Grado offers two new cartridge models in a mono version. The MC+ and the ME+ are mounted with an elliciptical diamond.

There are many analog lovers with record collections that include mono albums. Now, Grado offers two new cartridge models in a mono version. The MC+ and the ME+ are mounted with an elliciptical diamond. The ME+ uses one of GRADO's upgraded generating systems.

Grado's Red model uses a four piece OTL cantilever technology, standard oxygen free wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing. The Red model is selected from the Blue production run and meet higher test specifications. Approximately 10% of the production run will meet these standards and become Red models. 

The Prestige Silver model uses a four piece OTL cantilever technology, ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing.

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 0.5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

The Sonata model uses a modified four piece OTL cantilever technology achieving a 10% tip mass reduction over the Prestige series and ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils. It uses Grado's specially designed nude elliptical diamond.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 4.0mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

After years of careful thought and painstaking design, Grado offers their flagship line of phono cartridges. The Master model uses a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum and Sonata models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. The Master model is mounted with Grado's specially designed nude elliptical diamond.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 0.5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• excellent sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

After years of careful thought and painstaking design, Grado offers their flagship line of phono cartridges. The Platinum model uses a modified four piece OTL cantilever technology achieving a 10% tip mass reduction over the Prestige series and ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils. The Platinum model uses Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 0.5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

After years of careful thought and painstaking design, Grado offers their flagship line of phono cartridges. The Reference model uses a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum and Sonata models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. The Reference model uses Grado's true ellipsoid design diamond.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 0.5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• high end audiohphile cart
• wood body
• top quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

After years of careful thought and painstaking design, Grado offers their flagship line of phono cartridges. The Sonata model uses a modified four piece OTL cantilever technology achieving a 10% tip mass reduction over the Prestige series and ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils. The Sonata model uses Grado's specially designed nude elliptical diamond.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 0.5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 10-60,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• top of the line audiohphile cart
• wood body
• highest quality sound reproduction
• not recommended for DJing

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

After years of careful thought and painstaking design, Grado offers their flagship phono cartridge. The Statement utilizes gold coil wires, a boron cantilever and a diamond cut specially for Grado. All this is hand-assembled within a machined Australian Jarrah wood housing. The output for the Statement measures at 0.75 mV -- the lowest output ever offered by Grado. The low frequency information and its portrayal of bass dynamics are solid, powerful and authoritative. The midrange is rich, complex and highly believable. Its top-end seems to extend forever with speed and remarkable delicacy. Imaging is detailed and precise with a sound stage that wraps its arms around you and draws you into the music. Anyone who was impressed with Grado's previous top-of-the-line effort, the Grado Reference, will have their eyes opened wide after listening to the Statement.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 0.5mV output
• tracking force: 1.5g
• frequency response: 5-75,000Hz

LAB POINTS

• reduce record wear and improve sound quality with properly aligned cartridge
• simple to use
• great for both everyday listening and DJs
• includes (1) Geo-Disc
• no additional tools necessary

LAB REVIEW

Mobile Fidelity's popular Geo-Disc tool takes the guess work out of mounting and aligning your phono cartridge allowing you to get the most out of turntable setup. The device is simple to use and extremely accurate, making proper cartridge alignment a snap (which is usually a tedious and time consuming process). Simply put the plastic disc on your platter and align using the printed graph based on the Baewald alignment curve. They even printed the instructions on the Geo-Disc itself so you don't have to worry about losing them. Realize the full potential of your sound system with a properly aligned cartridge.

Replacement stylus from Music Hall, built by Goldring. The Tracker comes standard on Music Hall's popular MMF 2.2 Turntable Series. It features elliptical stylus tip for excellent tracking and audiophile quality sound at an affordable price. Great for listening, not recommended for DJing.

• fits the cartridge that comes with Music Hall MMF 2.2 Turntable
• elliptical stylus tip
• excellent tracking
• for listening, not DJing

LAB POINTS

• top choice for digitizing your vinyl
• features elliptical stylus for better sound
• includes extra stylus
  
• not recommended for djing
  

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

Growing demand for the ability to transcribe vinyl to digital formats has prompted the creation of the Arkiv - a cartridge specially designed to provide optimized sound quality specifically for recording purposes. The Arkiv boasts clear and accurate sound reproduction and remarkable stereo imaging, making it perfectly suited for sampling, transcription, and numerous other professional applications. The Arkiv ships with an elliptical stylus, for more detailed sound reproduction.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 6mV output
• tracking force: 3.0g
• frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
  

COMES WITH

• EXTRA Arkiv stylus
• hard carrying case
  
• stylus brush

LAB POINTS

• top choice for digitizing your vinyl
• features elliptical stylus for better sound
• headshell required, not included
  
• not recommended for djing
  

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

Growing demand for the ability to transcribe vinyl to digital formats has prompted the creation of the Arkiv - a cartridge specially designed to provide optimized sound quality specifically for recording purposes. The Arkiv boasts clear and accurate sound reproduction and remarkable stereo imaging, making it perfectly suited for sampling, transcription, and numerous other professional applications. The Arkiv ships with an elliptical stylus, for more detailed sound reproduction.

KEY FEATURES

• elliptical stylus
• 6mV output
• tracking force: 3.0g
• frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
  

COMES WITH

• stylus brush

LAB POINTS

• pre-mounted and wired on a Technics headshell
• scratch / hip-hop DJ standard
• high skip resistance + low record wear
• strong bass and loud output

OUR OPINION

PERFORMANCE NOTE

KEY FEATURES

• spherical stylus
• high 9.5mV output
• 1.50 to 3.0g tracking force
• 20 to 17,000Hz frequency response
• 1 year warranty

COMES WITH

• mounting hardware
• headshell wires
• screwdriver
• stylus cleaning brush
• packaging doubles as a cartridge case capable of holding two cartridges on headshells

Long before Shure became recognized for their exceptional DJ cartridges, their phono reputation was built on audiophile cartridges. Their top of the line, the V15VxMR is world famous for its extremely accurate sound reproduction and standout, ultra low record wear. That model costs about $350. For people demanding a high quality audio cartridge for either listening or recording, the M97xE offers many of the same qualities at much more manageable price. This cartridge offers accurate reproduction that can't be found in dj cartridges, particularly in the high frequency range, precise tracking ability (much lower record wear than a dj cartridge) and a flat frequency response. It also features a dynamic stabilizer, which maintains a uniform distance between the cartridge and the record under difficult playing conditions, such as those caused by warped records, or mismatched tonearm mass. Just to be clear, the M97xE is recommended for listening or recording/sampling purposes only, it is not designed or recommended for dj use.

KEY FEATURES

• audiophile/recording cartidge
• standard 1/2" mount
• elliptical stylus
• flat 20-20,000Hz frequency response
• 4.0mV output
• 0.75g to 1.50g tracking force
• dynamic stabilizer brush
• low mass shure type II cantilever
• side-guard stylus protection system
• 1 year warranty

COMES WITH

• brushed aluminum carrying case
• mounting hardware
• screwdriver
• stylus cleaning brush
• cartridge alignment kit

Rugged and clean. This case is constructed of heavy duty molded plastic that's also waterproof. A consistent Lab bestseller, recommended.

• holds 4 cartridges
• Does not fit Ortofon Concorde-style cartridges. 
• carrying cord

LAB REVIEW

Sumiko's Black Pearl Cartridge is the mid-priced model in their affordable line of audiophile cartridges. It is a moving magnet type cartridge with alloy cantilever, bonded spherical stylus and 4.0mV output. This will serve as a decent upgrade to stock carts that come with most turntables and provides great, full range sound reproduction. Please not this is more of a listening cartridge and not recommended for scratching or back-cueing.

KEY FEATURES

• Cartridge Type MM
• Output Voltage/Channel (mV) 4mV
• Channel Separation (dB) 30dB
• Channel Balance (dB) 0,5dB
• Compliance 15mm/N
• Stylus size/shape (mil) spherical

LAB REVIEW

Moving magnet phono cartridge from Sumiko with alloy cantilever and bonded spherical stylus. This cart has a 4.0mV output and will be a nice upgrade to the usual stock cartridges that come with turntables. Please note this is a listening cartridge and not recommended for scratching or back-cueing.

KEY FEATURES

• Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet
• Output Voltage/Channel: 4mV
• Stylus Tip: .6mm Bonded spherical stylus
• Cantilever: Alloy Tube
• Tracking Force: 1.25g
• 2.5g
• Frequency Response: 30Hz
• 20KHz
• Channel Separation (dB) 25dB
• Channel Balance (dB) 1,0dB
• Compliance 12mm/N
• Load Impedance 47kOhm
• Cartridge Weight 5.3g

LAB REVIEW

Sumiko's Pearl Cartridge is the top model in their moving magnet line of audiophile cartridges. It is a MM type cartridge with alloy cantilever, bonded elliptical stylus and 4.0mV output. This will serve as an excellent upgrade to most carts as it is designed with audiophiles in mind and provides great, full range sound reproduction. Please note this is more of a listening cartridge and not recommended for scratching or back-cueing.

KEY FEATURES

• Cartridge Type MM
• Frequency Response (Hz) 12Hz-30kHz
• Output Voltage/Channel (mV) 5mV
• Channel Separation (dB) 30dB
• Channel Balance (dB) 0,5dB
• Compliance 15mm/N
• Stylus size/shape (mil) Elp. 0,2x0,8mm
• Load Impedance 47kOhm
• Tracking Force Range (grams) 1.5
• 2.0